At almost 2000m elevation, Syme hut is the second highest Hut in the North Island. Located on the south eastern side of the mountain it boasts views over the surrounding farmland and over to the central plateau volcano peaks. More prominent is the towering peak of Mt Taranaki which serves as a fantastic side trip if conditions allow it.
Time to complete
2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Loop - Return via same track
Distance
18km return
Difficulty
Medium-Hard
Bookings required
No
Spend the night at the second highest hut in the North Island
Side trips up Mt Taranaki possible
Epic sunrise and sunset views directly outside the hut
Increadible views over the surrounding farmland and coastline
Walk through the goblin forest
‘Scree ski’ down the volcanic slopes on the way down
One of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks, Mt Taranaki extends almost straight from the ocean and tops out at 2518m high. Syme Hut resides on a smaller secondary peak at about 1950m elevation. The Hut itself is basic, there is a separated concrete toilet a small stroll from the hut and inside, there are just bunks, a good size table and seating area and a sink with a large water tank. No heating means that it can get quite cold at night so come prepared.
The height of the plateau the hut is perched combined with the relatively sheer drop offs in most directions gives a dramatic floating-like feeling when looking out to the surrounding country, with low clouds often creating cloud inversions in the mornings. In clear conditions you can see out to the central plateau volcanic peaks, the Tararua mountain range and other smaller peaks throughout the central north Island.
Track condition
-Very good condition until about 1400m elevation. Beyond this, there are scree slopes and rocky sections to navigate.
Optionals
-Spend 2 nights at Syme hut and make a summit attempt on the middle day
-Fanthams Peak is a short walk from the hut and offers spectacular views back towards Syme Hut and Mt Taranaki
-Make this a three day trip and include lake dive. See guide here.
The trail starts and finishes at the Dawson Falls visitor centre on the eastern side of the mountain.
Trail start/finish location: Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
-Huts:
The hut is reasonably modern with basic facilities. Separated toilet and a sink inside the main hut room.
-Camping:
Possible outside of the hut on the rocky terrain. Plan for this.
-Booking:
No bookings required, first come first served.
-Back-country hut pass:
Can be used.
Mt Taranaki is very unpredictable given its geographic location. Therefore even with a favourable forecast, plan for things to deteriorate just in case. The hut is almost 2000m above sea level and therefore conditions can get very cold year round.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Can be dangerous about late June - Early July onwards. Crampons and Ice axes need to be taken and check in at the visitor centre to determine any additional precations.
Department of conservation website | Egmont National Park Weather
9km | 3.5-5 Hours
1-1.5hr
The track starts in the ‘Goblin Forest’ and whilst flat at the start, this quickly transitions to a moderate ascent up well maintained stairs and trails. Eventually you emerge from the tree line and are met with alpine scrub and then tussock grass.
2.5-3.5hr
Beyond the tussock grass the terrain gets very rocky and the tough climb up the scree slopes begins. Take care here and follow the poled route all the way up. The climb flattens out a bit for the last 500m or so before reaching Syme Hut.
Optional
-The Kapuni Lodge is a small side trip at the end of the first section is a good spot to rest for lunch and take in the views.
-During the warmer months, Mt Taranaki can be summited without any special gear however mountaineering experience is needed when there is snow/ice present.
9km | 2.5-4 Hours
2.5-4hr
The track back to the carpark follows the same one walked on day 1.
Optional
-Return via the Lake Dive Hut. This can be done in one day or an extra night can be spent at Lake Dive for those who have more time.
Boardwalk over the tussock
Pouakai Circuit
Be in awe of one of the most iconic peaks of New Zealand
Lush rainforest and vast ridge line tracks with views over the central North Island volcanoes
